It is likely that a resident of South Florida will experience insect problems ... the subtropical climate and the proximity of buildings combine to provide a year-round haven for our primary residential insects ... Ants, Cockroaches, and Termites.

The first two will nip at your ego ... Termites will munch away your assets.

Difference Between Ants and Termites Click images for a larger view

Coping With Termites

Have a professional inspect any building before you purchase ... that's like purchasing title insurance.

Don't ignore signs like the presence of exterminator trucks in your neighborhood ... something is being treated and insects do move

Don't ignore symptoms like piles of sawdust, mud tunnels on walls, or swarms of flying insects ... the invasion may have begun.

Symptoms of Infestation Click on images for a larger view

SawDust Pile

MudTunnels

Swarm

Select the right treatment ... or you may double your cost

If you have a problem ... Start With A ProfessionalGet two or three Extermination companies to inspect your property and propose a treatment plan ... get written statements that include the type of termite, identification of infested areas, costs and guarantees

If you have questions about the proposals, get answers that satisfy you ... only the Termites should swallow the bait

If you decide to do-it-yourself, don't overreach ... not everyone can navigate ladders, crawl through spaces not meant for people, or handle the chemicals that may be involved ... Termites are the objective, not you

Purchase some self-protection

Check with the Better Business Bureau to be certain the companies you select have clean records

Get an independent identification of your Termites from a Laboratory, a University or a County Extension Office

The moral of the story ... Don't buy problems and be able to sell without problems